- Bubo africanus
Identification
45 cm. Off white to pale orche facial disk, yellow eyes, prominent ear tufts, and the upper body is dusky brown, the lower parts off-white with brown bars.
Distribution
Africa south of the Sahara desert.
Taxonomy
Prior to 1999 the Spotted Eagle-owl was considered conspecific with the Vermiculated Eagle-owl, but now it is classed as a separate species.
Habitat
Rocky outcrops, scrub land, open woods, and semi deserts.
Behaviour
The diet includes small mammals, birds, insects and reptiles.
Their nest is made on the ground though they have been known to nest on window ledges of buildings. Breeding begins in July continuing to the first weeks of February. 2-4 eggs area laid and incubated by the female for about 32 days. The female leaves the nest only to eat what the male has brought food. The young owls can fly at around seven weeks of age. Five weeks later, the young owls leave the nest.
